FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT A VEGAN DIET FOR DOGS
W provide you with a small overview of a dog’s dietary requirements and explain how it is possible to feed your dog a purely plant-based diet
Is a vegan diet possible?
Yes, it is. However, just like with any other diet it is very important to provide the dog with all the nutrients it needs. This is the reason why any of our VEGDOG – vegan dog food has added minerals, micronutrients and vitamins which would otherwise not be provided in sufficient amounts with the ingredients used. This is necessary for all dog foods – with or without meat – in order to satisfy nutritional requirements. To ensure that our wet food can be fed as a complete feed, all varieties are undergoing nutritional analyses.
When is VEGDOG particularly suitable?
VEGDOG was developed due to our dog Nelson’s food allergy. Nelson had severe allergic reactions (itching causing dermatitis, recurrent ear infections, intestinal problems) to both animal proteins and wheat. In co-operation with a specialist dietetic vet we developed recipes which do not contain any of the main allergens, while still providing all the nutritional requirements. Only the varieties ADULT No1 and SENIOR No1 contain potatoes, which some dogs can react to. For those dogs, SENSIBELCHEN No1, or our VEGGIE CRUNCH dry food would be a more suitable alternative as it contains no potatoes.
Can I feed VEGDOG in combination with other types of dog food?
In principle, yes of course. However, when feeding a “mixed diet” it is advisable to have the amount you feed reviewed by a specialist. The supply of nutrients as described and analysed by us is only possible when feeding VEGDOG exclusively. In case of changes of type of food or manufacturer, a nutritionist or dietitian should review the amount fed in order to ensure a good balance.
How does my dog get the amino acids it needs?
With regards to the source of vegetable protein, an amino acid profile optimal for dogs is very important. Lupin is currently the highest-grade protein source among all plant-based animal feed. When used as an ingredient in vegan dog food, lupin provides the fundamental supply of essential amino acids.
How to change to VEGDOG
Doesn’t my dog need any animal protein?
Some vegetable protein is comparable with animal protein and dogs can digest it just as well. When feeding a vegan diet, it is important to pay particular attention to a high-grade protein source. Dogs need amino acids, not meat.
What are the ingredients in VEGDOG – vegan wet food?
First and foremost, we use granulated lupin a well as peas, as both provide sufficient protein, and starchy ingredients, such as potatoes, as an energy source. In addition, VEGDOG contains vegetables, pulses, high-grade oil, sunflower seeds, algae and suitable supplements of all minerals, micronutrients and vitamins which are otherwise not fully covered by the natural levels occurring in the main ingredients. This is necessary with every complete dog food, with or without meat, however, with vegan food there are a few more supplements needed.
LEISHMANIA
Healthy variation
VEGDOG can be a very healthy alternative for any dog. One or two vegan days per week will not only support the health of your dogs and provide some variety in their food bowl – but also make a valuable contribution to animal welfare and to the environment.